CA Court of Appeal Opinions

People v. Bolduc - Criminal Threats Conviction Appeal

The California Court of Appeal, Third Appellate District, filed an opinion in the case of People v. Bolduc on March 9, 2026. The court affirmed the conviction for making criminal threats, finding the trial court adequately ensured a factual basis for the defendant's plea.

States v. Mackrell - Civil Harassment Restraining Order Attorney Fees

The California Court of Appeal affirmed a trial court's award of $8,397.43 in attorney fees to Jessica States in a civil harassment restraining order case against Jeanie MacKrell. The court found no abuse of discretion in awarding fees to the prevailing party.

People v. Reed - Criminal Sentencing Appeal

The California Court of Appeal reversed and remanded a trial court's denial of a defendant's petition for recall and resentencing. The appellate court agreed with the People that the trial court erred in applying the doctrine of the law of the case to deny the petition.

People v. Rufo - Murder Conviction Appeal

The California Court of Appeal, Fifth Appellate District, filed an opinion in the case of People v. Rufo. The defendant was convicted of second-degree murder and a firearm enhancement, but the enhancement was dismissed in the interest of justice. The appellate court affirmed the judgment.

People v. Paez - Criminal Appeal

The California Court of Appeal modified a criminal judgment, striking a condition that allowed warrantless searches of electronic devices as invalid under People v. Lent. The court upheld other probation conditions, including mandatory participation in a sex offender treatment program.

People v. Carrillo - Criminal Appeal

The California Court of Appeal reversed and remanded an order denying a petition for resentencing for Joe Carrillo. The court accepted the People's concession that Carrillo, sentenced as a juvenile to the functional equivalent of life without parole, is eligible for resentencing under Penal Code section 1170(d)(1).

In re N.J. - Juvenile Dependency Appeal

The California Court of Appeal, Fifth Appellate District, filed a non-precedential opinion in the case of In re N.J. The appeal concerns a juvenile court's dispositional order removing a child from her mother's custody based on allegations of sexual abuse, which the mother contends were improperly considered. The opinion addresses the mother's challenge to the sufficiency of the evidence and procedural due process.

In re Domestic Partnership of Campos & Nunoz - Pet Custody Dispute

The California Court of Appeal issued an opinion on March 5, 2026, in the case of In re Domestic Partnership of Campos & Nunoz. The court affirmed a lower court's order denying shared custody of a dog, noting errors in citing fictitious legal authorities but finding the claim forfeited. The opinion emphasizes the responsibility of courts and attorneys to verify legal citations, especially with AI-generated content.

Marriage of Crabtree - Family Law Appeal

The California Court of Appeal, Third Appellate District, filed an opinion in the Marriage of Crabtree case on March 5, 2026. The case involves an appeal from an award of contractual attorney fees related to a contempt order for violating visitation orders. The court affirmed the trial court's award of attorney fees.

Las Posas Valley Water v. Ventura County Waterworks - Water Rights Adjudication

The California Court of Appeal affirmed a trial court's judgment in a comprehensive water rights adjudication for the Las Posas Valley Groundwater Basin. The ruling addresses the allocation of groundwater rights among various landowners and water suppliers, including a 'physical solution' and the appointment of a watermaster.